Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations

Senate Panel Shelves Soda Tax That Aimed To Curb Childhood Obesity

On Wednesday, the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee suspended action on a bill (SB 1210) that would have taxed sweetened beverages at a rate of one cent per teaspoon of added sugar to raise funds for preventing childhood obesity, the Los Angeles Times' "PolitiCal" reports.

The Senate panel said it temporarily shelved the bill because of its potential effect on the state budget.

The measure, by Sen. Dean Florez (D-Shafter), aimed to generate up to $1.4 billion next year in new tax revenue. It would have created a Children's Health Fund to collect the revenue, which would be distributed to local communities for childhood obesity prevention programs.

The California Center for Public Health Advocacy and the California Medical Association support the measure, but the California Chamber of Commerce and other business groups oppose the bill because they say it could increase soda prices by 30% or more (McGreevy, "PolitiCal," Los Angeles Times, 5/12).

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